The Great Indian Filmmakers (II):Guru Dutt

by Ashish on February 11, 2010

His 2 movies have been included in Time magazine’s “All-TIME” 100 best movies.

He has worked as a choreographer and Actor at one time.His first movie introduced a new technical concept in Indian cinema ,Close up shots with 100mm lens which later was referred on his name in filmmaking.British film magazine Sight & Sound poll ranked him at 73 in its list of all-time greatest directors, thus making him the Eighth highest-ranking Asian filmmaker in the poll.

Pyaasa and Kaagaz ke Phool are included in all time 100 best movies.Theatres in Germany,France and Japan were full packed when they screened any of Guru Dutt’s movies.In the initial stage of his career he worked with Prabhat Film company,Pune for 3yrs till 1947. After coming to Mumbai he assisted two directors.In 1951 his first film as director, Baazi was released.This movies was produced under the banner of Dev Anand’s company Navketan. His second film Jaal was also a super hit flick.He also introduced Waheeda Rehman to Hindi cinema under his production in C.I.D starring Dev Anand. He and Dev anand were very close friends for many years.His film Sahab,Biwi aur Gulam won the filmfare award in Best film category directed by Abrar Alvi.

Though his movies could not earn enough money at box office he earned the status of a legendary filmmaker making cult movies one after the other. He acted in 16 films and Picnic was his last film in 1964.He died the same year after consuming alcohol and sleeping pills at night.

Once Dev Anand quoted Guru Dutt as “My only true friend in the film industry. We got close to each other while working for Prabhat Film company.

On failure of Kaagaz Ke Phool and success of Chaudhvin Ka Chand he said “What is there in life, friend? There are only two things – success and failure. There is nothing in between.”

In recent time Bollywood has witnessed more of failure and less of success.With more than 300 movies producing every year alone in Hindi cinema,not even 50 films gets audience appreciation. Very few directors now make cult films irrespective of their fate at box office.

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